We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Kelz N Curlz started as a fitness blog back in 2017, but since has transitioned into a lifestyle blog that encourages women through my experiences around living a crazy life, laughing at motherhood, and loving their natural hair. I have been natural for almost 9 years, and it took me quite some time to truly embrace my God Given Curlz! When thinking about starting a business, I knew I wanted to help other women embrace their curlz as well. I started Kelz N Curlz LLC in July 2021 during the pandemic. The pandemic gave me some time to slow down and focus on goals that I had in my mind for years, and now they are coming to life. My thought process behind this was simply to market to a niche that has similar values and priorities as myself. I have Type 4a/4b hair, and I cannot count how many times people ask me what I use on my hair or my son’s hair. This made me want to share my natural hair journey so that others can see techniques and products that work for them. I wash and style my son’s hair as well, and it has been fun being able to share with other mom’s what I use on his hair. My business is structured to provide natural hair inspired apparel, natural hair tutorials, product reviews, and potentially opportunities for sponsorship and promotion with natural hair and motherhood brands. While new and small in size, I know that I am following my purpose and making at least one person’s struggles seem minor.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a thirty something year old finance professional. I have worked in public accounting for nine years. My brand began to focus on natural hair because I wanted to like what I see in the mirror without all the manipulation. I would go to work with my straightened hair for almost 3 years before I decided to begin wearing my natural hairstyles in the workplace. Once I began trying products and learning my hair, this sparked an interest in me to really see what I could do with my curlz. Of course I would wear my hair straightened from time to time, but my main focus was natural hair styles. In 2017, kelzncurlz.com was formed. It was fitness related, but highlighted my natural hair while getting fit. Over time, fitness remained a priority, but the curlz came more into the forefront.Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have friends or family in town, I always want to give them a Houston experience where they get to enjoy things they can only get here. I am such a foodie! So when it comes to restaurants, I have so many great recommendations! Turkey Leg Hut is a staple! You have to try it when you are in town. There may be a line, but the food is worth the wait! Some good brunch spots I frequent are Union Kitchen, Liberty Kitchen, Federal American Grill, Phil and Derek’s, Grace’s, and Lucille’s. I have yet to have anything on their menu that I do not like. The Breakfast Klub is a great breakfast spot!! Their catfish and grits is to die for! Davenport’s is a great small bar with great vibes and strong drinks! Prospect Park is great for bar food and good times whether it be hookah or karaoke, they got you covered. If you need places to eat, basically I am your best source lol : )Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that encourage and inspire me to go after the desires of my heart! A fellow mom blogger Dominique Myrie, IG @mrs.dominique.myrie, has been very encouraging and supportive of my journey in this blogger/influencer world. She always shares any knowledge that she believes can benefit me as I get my feet wet. Carmen Carter, IG @carmenreneeblog, has also been very influential in my journey. She and I met on IG and went out to lunch one day, and then life got busy, but it has never stopped us from keeping in contact and her providing great advice. Lastly, Courtney Agbetola, IG @greeneyesgoldsoul, has truly shown me just what this market can do. I have been following her for years and have invested in all her ebooks on how to make it in this world. She drops major gems and is all about empowering other women to be successful. Outside of the blogger world, my support system also roots for me like no other. I have amazing friends, a supportive husband, and a loving family that all want to see me do well in life. All of these women are going after their passions and purpose and proving to me that I can do this as well. Nothing is built overnight, but with patience, consistency, and hard work, I too can be an example of success for others as they have been for me.

Website: kelzncurlz.com

Instagram: @_kelzncurlz_

Twitter: twitter.com/kelzncurlz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYW5pKe8vOEPoVA06qO_fTQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Tiffany Esters (IG @tiff_e_photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.